Growing up with a troupe of performing traders, a young boy rarely has a chance to look at dragonriders closely. Getting a chance to be one was an entirely different matter.

Oryudioth was more than a dream come true. Q'leyne hadn't dared to dream such things, for surely that hope would shatter. But now... Now he lived in a perfect world. Just him, and his Oryo.

Now, if he could only find him.

"ORYO!"

There was, of course, no answer. In this sort of situation, there very rarely was. It was a Restday, and Ley and Oryo were involved in a little game of hide-and-seek. Just how a rapidly-growing bronze hatchling could hide himself so well every time, Q'leyne had no idea.

"Oh, c'mon, this isn't fair! You always find me so fast!"

This time, there was a chuckling sound. But was it just in his head that Ley heard that soft laughing, or was it just to the left? He spun towards where he imagined the noise had come from, and looked in earnest around the large bole of a tree. But with no results.

I can't be all that hard to find, Oryudioth commented, still amused. I'm really not that well hid, if you think about it.

 Q'leyne rolled his eyes. Thanks, Oryo. You're helpful.

I've always thought so, the bronze replied, chuckling again.

Infuriating beast!

Just then, there was a distinctive snapping of a large twig. Or possibly a small tree. It was followed by a distinctive sound, reminding Q'leyne somewhat of the time Oryudioth turn around too quickly when he was younger and fallen over. It had taken him a good five minutes to right himself. The rider smiled.

In just a few moments, that same noise was repeated, but this time in the context of Oh, shards, Ley! You wouldn't have found me if that branch hadn't given way! Oryo complained, climbing down from the low tree he had been hiding in.

Q'leyne looked mighty proud of himself. "Sure I would."

Eventually, the young bronze replied, grinning draconically. Then, Tag! You're it! And he had gone again.

"ORYO! That's the wrong game!" the boy complained loudly as he raced after his mischievous dragon.